Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife South.

. Mr. Speaker, today I am very honoured to be speaking about the first Northwest Territories female athlete to win gold at the Special Olympics World Games.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, this is Yellowknife South resident Chelsey Makaro. And if you have the chance or ability where you are sitting to look up, she has brought her medals with her.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, this past summer, Ms. Makaro traveled to Berlin, Germany, as part of Team Canada to attend the Special Olympics World Summer Games. The games are held every two years and offer athletes with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to compete in a variety of sports. She's a member of Canada's swim team. I first met her prior to her departure when we sent her with a Northwest Territories flag. Today, she has proudly returned wearing her Team Canada jacket to show me her medals. Because not only did she participate as a swimmer on behalf of Canada at the games, Mr. Speaker, she brought home two gold medals - one for the 25-meter backstroke and another as part of the four by 50-meter freestyle team relay.

Ms. Makaro earned her medals. She worked tirelessly -- I have spoken with her and her father about her training -- -seven days a week, in and out of the pool, all through the year, up at six in the morning, and working with a number of representatives from across Yellowknife for dry land training physiotherapy. Her parents supported her along the way, getting her to those 6 a.m. practices, and clearly it all paid off. As I said at the start, these medals have made her the first Northwest Territories female athlete to win gold at the Special Olympics World Games.

So, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Ms. Makaro for representing the Northwest Territories on Team Canada. I want to thank her for carrying our flag with pride, with hard work, and congratulate Chelsey Makaro on her well-deserved and well-earned results at the Special Olympics World Games. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife South. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't know how we top that; that's amazing.

Mr. Speaker, as the House is aware, the North American Indigenous Games 2023 were held in Halifax and surrounding communities between July 15th to 23rd. The NWT sent a strong team, and I witness the support these athletes received from parents who traveled to Halifax to cheer them on. Most athletes were able to get to Yellowknife in a timely manner to join up with their teammates. Unfortunately, Ava Erasmus had a really interesting adventure to get to the games. As some of you may have heard from Cabin Radio, she had to get a working cabin in the Nahanni National Park to Fort Simpson, then to Yellowknife, for Saturday's flight to Halifax.

As part of her job, she would take regular trips into the park and help at Virginia Falls with tourists. Everything was going smoothly until a threat of a flash flood held up the trip in the park, tightening the timeline between finishing up work at the falls and getting back to Fort Simpson to catch the flight to Yellowknife and then to Halifax. Upon getting into the park, things were going well for the first two days, then storms started rolling across the park delaying her departure from the falls. Some of the other adventures included food supplies being rationed, have a prolonged visit from a passing grizzly bear, and growing wildfires further complicated efforts.

Later on during the week, there was a break in the smoke and a Twin Otter was sent to pick them up but like the adventure to this point, it continued. The plane could not land, and it happened the next day too. After this happened, they started thinking about how far they could make it down the river and if they could make it to Nahanni Butte so they could be picked up there. At last a small aircraft, a Beaver, made it in and after a brief scare of having to turn around, the plane landed in Fort Simpson. Her parents picked her up with a packed a bag for her and headed off to the main airport. Unfortunately as she got to the airport, they witnessed the plane leaving.

Mr. Speaker, this led to her next adventure, a seven-hour drive to Yellowknife. She made it in at around midnight to have a quick sleep and then she met her teammates at 6:30 as they head off to Halifax.

Mr. Speaker, I would like recognize the other athletes from the Nahendeh. We had 21 athletes and coaches represent the NWT and their community. I will add the list and request it be deemed as read. They were great ambassadors. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

• Ava Erasmus
• Brittany Kendo
• Christian Cli-Hopf
• Ryder Hardisty
• Colton Hardisty-Gillis
• Tanner Isaiah
• Ashanti Beaulieu
• Nicholas Bilodeau
• Amy Duntra
• Kadence Norn
• Javen Payou
• Syles Timbre
• Cadence Erasmus
• Gina Hardisty-Isaiah
• Helena Landry
• Lydia Nelner
• Blake Speed
• Amaria Tanche-Hanna
• William Tanche-Hanna
• Jacqueline Thompson
• Jaicee Tsetso

Thank you, Member for Nahendeh. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on May 6th, 2023, Frank Gruben was last seen in Fort Smith. Almost five months has passed. Mr. Speaker, where's Frank? I'm going to ask again: Where's Frank Gruben? He's not been found. There's no word from him. No one has seen a thing or heard something of him, or choosing not to speak.

Mr. Speaker, it's not to tell the -- somebody's not telling the truth. Frank's family and friends are hurting.

I held Frank as a baby. I know his mother Laura, and I know his fatherAsaaq. Really, I grew up with them. I was speaking to his mom today. Frank was such a loveable person, she says. Always laughing, having a good time. He loved the Gwich'in language. He loved his family. He was harmless. Frank would never hurt anyone. Mr. Speaker, for him to go missing without any reason doesn't make no sense. He's loved by his mom. He would never turn his back on his family. Someone knows something, what happened to Frank.

When I asked Frank's mother if there was something she wanted me to say on her behalf, she said please bring my baby home. I want answers. Please help me bring him home.

We have to help Frank's mother, Mr. Speaker, and the family and the community in the Beaufort Delta. If you have information on Frank but are scared to step forward, there's ways that you could be protected such as Crime Stoppers and calling the RCMP. And there's a reward out for $8,050 she told me today, and you could call the Fort Smith RCMP at 876-872-1111 or, Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-8477.

Mr. Speaker, it's been five months since we last seen Frank. Frank's friends and family, I want to thank, first, Fort Smith First Nations and the community members who have searched for Frank. Thank you for searching for him. And we need to continue looking for Frank. We need to find him. We'll not forget, and we won't give up until we bring Frank home. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Justice at the appropriate time. Thank you.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Members' statements. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Monfwi.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Jackson Lafferty, grand chief of the Tlicho region. I just want to recognize him. Mahsi.

Also, Mr. Speaker, I also have with us today is Dr. April Hayward, the chief sustainable officer for Live Power. And Dr. Hayward has 25 years' experience in the fuel environmental science. As well, and also, we have Mr. Daniel Gordon, the manager of investor relations for the company. Thank you and welcome. Mahsi.

Thank you, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Thebacha.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize the grand chief of the Tlicho, Jackson. I'm sure that he's finding it easier to make decisions in one day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife South.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can't see behind me, but I do believe that Mike and Shanli Carlson are still here, Mr. Speaker. They certainly were here in the House, and I am very proud to recognize them, particularly today, as residents of Yellowknife South. Miss Shanli is an absolute joy, and I am very pleased to have her around my house. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife South. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Range Lake.

Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to recognize grand chief Lafferty. Not only did he become grand chief but he right away took -- agreed to take on the chair for the Council of Leaders, which now is a different chair, but shows to his honour and his courage. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Range Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to welcome grand chief Lafferty back to the House, former colleague and good friend of mine, and I'm really proud of his accomplishments in the last year. And you gave us Jane too; she's solid too and we're happy for Jane. And, you know, I just want to thank him for coming to take the time to visit us today and look forward to a little visit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Reports of committees on the review of bills. Reports of standing and special committees. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures is pleased to provide its Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly, No. 2, and commends it to the House.

Mr. Speaker, I move, second by the Member of Hay River South, that the Committee Report 75-19(2) is deemed read and printed into Hansard in its entirety. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. The motion is in order. To the motion?

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Any abstentions? The motion is carried. The committee report is deemed read.

---Carried

Introduction

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures (Committee) is pleased to report on its review the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly. With the 19th Legislative Assembly coming to end the Committee has reviewed the current Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly (the Rules) and is making recommendations to better streamline administrative functions of the parliamentary process of the Northwest Territories. Committee is also making recommendations that the rules be updated to recognize the adoption of the Consensus Government Process Convention on the Introduction and Enactment of Bills Drafted Pursuant to the Intergovernmental Council Legislative Development Protocol.

BACKGROUND

The Process Convention on the Introduction, Consideration and Enactment of Bills

Drafted Pursuant to the Intergovernmental Council Legislative Development Protocol was signed by Premier, Chair of Caucus and Chair of the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight on March 6, 2023 and was tabled in the Assembly on March 8, 2023.

The Process Convention includes the extension of the referral to standing committee for bills drafted pursuant to the Protocol from 120 to 180 days, the timelines for the consideration of proposed committee amendments and the attendance of IGC representatives in standing committee meetings, in Committee of the Whole and at the formal Assent ceremony following Third Reading of a bill. It is important to note that although The Rules do not address Legislative Proposals, the Process Convention on Standing Committee Review of Legislation does outline the process.

The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures has recommended that the Process Convention on the Introduction, Consideration and Enactment of Bills Drafted Pursuant to the Intergovernmental Council Legislative Development Protocol continue with the 20th Assembly. To help create consistency for the next Assembly:

Recommendation 1 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the Process Convention on the Introduction, Consideration and Enactment of Bills Drafted Pursuant to the Intergovernmental Council Legislative Development Protocol be renewed in the 20th Assembly to maintain and further develop relationships with Indigenous Governments.

The 20th Assembly should familiarize themselves with the Process Convention and look to enhance this important methodology in the development of land and resources legislation for the Northwest Territories. Examples include the extension of the referral to standing committee for bills drafted pursuant to the Protocol from 120 to 180 days, the timelines for the consideration of proposed committee amendments and the attendance of IGC representatives in standing committee meetings, in Committee of the Whole and at the formal Assent ceremony following Third Reading of a bill. To help promote that integration:

Recommendation 2 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that, when the Process Convention on the Introduction, Consideration and Enactment of Bills Drafted Pursuant to the Intergovernmental Council Legislative Development Protocol is renewed, consideration be given to further integration of the Process Convention into the Rules of the Legislative Assembly.

Administrative Changes to the Rules

The Committee is also recommending changes and clarity to help streamline the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly.

Distribution of the Orders of the Day

Rule 1.6(6) requires the Clerk to “distribute the Order Paper for the day to each Member and to the Speaker”. However, by convention it is typically referred as the “Orders of the Day”. This is a change to create consistency in the rule book and provide greater clarity for members during house procures. To ensure consistency:

Recommendation 3 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that Rule 1.6(3) be amended by deleting “Order Paper for the day” and replacing it with “Orders of the Day” and that the title of rule 1.6(6) be amended to read “Distribution of the Orders of the Day”.

Law Clerk's Responsibilities

Rule 1.6(8)(c) requires the Law Clerk to “review within 15 days from the close of each Session all legislation enacted prior to it's distribution”. This is part of a statutory requirement of the Northwest Territories Act and is not required in the Rules. For simplicity:

Recommendation 4 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that Rule 1.6(8)(c) be deleted.

Raising a Question of Privilege

Rule 1.7(3) requires a Member to raise a question of privilege “immediately after the words are uttered or the events occur”. However, Rule 1.7(6) states that the Speaker will rule whether the matter was “raised at the earliest opportunity”. To ensure consistency:

Recommendation 5 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that Rule 1.7(3) be amended by deleting “immediately after the words are uttered or the events occur that give rise to the question” and replacing it with “at the earliest opportunity”.

Committee Reports Deemed Read

In recent years it has become practice to have long Committee Reports deemed read in their entirety and printed in Hansard. This is often done after an executive summary of the report, including any recommendations, is read in the house. In practice the motion to have the report deemed read has proceeded without notice; however, the Rules do not expressly permit this. To ensure clarity:

Recommendation 6 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the following be added after Rule 6.1(2)(m): “(n) to have a Committee Report deemed read and printed in Hansard in its entirety.”

First Reading of Bills

Rule 8.2(3) relates to a Bill being deemed read at First Reading; however, the wording in the rules is unclear and does not reflect the practice in the house. To ensure clarity:

Recommendation 7 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the wording of Rule 8.2(3) be deleted and replaced with “When the Sponsor of a Bill presents it for first reading the Bill will be deemed read for a first time.”

Board of Management

Rule 9.2(5) requires the Board of Management to be established in accordance with the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act. As the establishment of the Board is required by law it is redundant to also require it in the rules. To ensure consistency:

Recommendation 8 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that Rule 9.2(5) be deleted.

Standing and Special Committees - Number of Members

Rule 9.2(6) sets the maximum number of Members of a standing Committee at six, other than the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight. For Committees with six Members, a quorum of four Members is required. During the current Assembly it has, on occasion, been challenging for Committees with six Members to achieve quorum. To help ensure flexibility in the capability of Standing Committee to achieve quorum and set direction:

Recommendation 9 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that Rule 9.3(5) be amended by adding “With the exception of the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight, three Members are required for quorum unless the Committee's terms of reference states otherwise.”

List of Members

Rule 9.3(2) requires the Clerk “distribute to every Members a list of the Members comprising the Committees and the Board of Management”. In practice this list is also made public on the Assembly website. To ensure consistency:

Recommendation 10 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that Rule 9.3(2) be amended by adding “and make the list available publicly” after the words “Board of Management”.

Notice of Meetings

Rule 9.3(6) requires the Clerk to “post notices of all Committee meetings in the Legislative Assembly office and circulate them to all Members”. With the adoption of the communication website Moodle in the current Assembly, Committee Members are advised of meetings by email notifications via the Moodle platform:

Recommendation 11 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the wording of Rule 9.3(6) be deleted and replaced with “The Clerk shall notify all Regular Members of upcoming meetings and ensure Agendas are available publicly”.

Members May Attend Meetings - Exception

Rule 9.3(11) permits “a Member, who is not a Member of the Executive Council or the Speaker, and who is not a Member of the Committee”, to “attend Standing Committee meetings and may address the Committee after its Members have spoken, according to any limits imposed by the Chair”. Rule 9.3(12) provides an exception to the above rules for “public meetings of Standing Committees or when a Member of the Executive Council has been invited to attend a Standing Committee meeting”. By stating that rule 9.3(11) does not apply for public meetings or meetings when a Member of Executive Council has been invited, 9.3(12) may be interpreted as preventing a Member who is not a Member of the Committee from attending or speaking in these meetings. To ensure clarity:

Recommendation 12 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that the wording of Rule 93(12) be deleted and replaced with “All Members may attend public meetings of Standing Committees and may speak according to any limits imposed by the Chair.

Reports of Committees - Response to Report Most Committee reports request a response from Government. Rule 9.4(5) requires a motion to be moved in Committee of the Whole to require a response from Government within 120 days. Consideration of a Committee report and associated recommendations within Committee of the Whole can be a timeconsuming process, often with little debate or discussion around Committee's recommendations. To ensure clarity:

Recommendation 13 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that Rule 9.4 (5) be amended to read: The Government will be required to table a comprehensive response to a Committee report, including all recommendations, within 120 days, or at the earliest opportunity subsequent to the passage of 120 days when: a) A report requesting a response is adopted by the Assembly; or b) A motion is adopted by Committee of the Whole requesting a response.

Appearance of Witnesses before Standing or Special Committees Rule 9.6(1) allows Committees to invite witnesses “at the discretion of the Chair”. In practice witnesses are invited with concurrence of the Committee. To ensure consistency:

Recommendation 14 Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that Rule 9.6(1) be amended by deleting “at the discretion of the Chair” and replacing it with “with concurrence of the Committee”.

Appearance of Witnesses before Committee of the Whole

Rule 9.6(5) requires the adoption of a motion by the Assembly for a witness to appear before Committee of the Whole on matters other than consideration of bills or estimates. It is conceivable that Committee of the Whole could wish to have a witness appear, in a manner like a Standing or Special Committee. Amending the rules to allow Committee of the Whole to have a witness appear without a formal motion in the Assembly is consistent with the process for having witnesses appear before other Committees. To ensure consistency:

Recommendation 15 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that Rule 9.6(5) be amended by deleting “through the adoption of a motion of approval by the Assembly” and replacing it with “with concurrence of Committee of the Whole”.

Point of Privilege

There are several references in the Rules which guides members on the use of a “question of privilege”. However, by convention we typically refer to a “point of privilege” rather than a “question of privilege”. To create consistency:

Recommendation 16 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends Rule 1.7(3) be amended by deleting “question of privilege” and replacing it with “point of privilege”.

Recommendation 17 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends the Sub-Title for Rule 1.7(3) be amended by deleting “question of privilege” and replacing it with “point of privilege”.

Recommendation 18 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends the Sub-Title for Rule 1.7(5) be amended by deleting “question of privilege” and replacing it with “point of privilege”.

Recommendation 19 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends the Sub-Title for Rule 1.7(7) be amended by deleting “question of privilege” and replacing it with “point of privilege”.

Recommendation 20 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that Rule 3.1(5) be amended by deleting “question of privilege” and replacing it with “point of privilege”.

Recommendation 21 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that Rule 3.2(3)(b)(iii) be amended by deleting “question of privilege” and replacing it with “point of privilege”.

Recommendation 22 The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommends that Rule 6.1(2)(f) be amended by deleting “question of privilege” and replacing it with “point of privilege”.

Conclusion

This concludes the committee report on the review of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly.